Ejections Rain Down as Umpires Order Cal Softball to Play Through Downpour - What's the Delay Rule?

A wild argument after umpires refused to call for a rain delay, instead ordering Cal softball to play through a downpour in Louisiana, resulted in multiple ejections when Cal's pitcher couldn't find a grip in the slippery conditions. Article: www.closecallsports.com/2024/...
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NCAA Softball's Rule 6.11.2.1.2 pertains to suspension and the resumption of play and states, "Play should be suspended immediately without regard to timing within the inning when spectator or participant safety is compromised (for example, in the event of lightning detected within the danger zone, serious injury to a participant or if players’ footing or grip on the bat or ball is obviously compromised)."
From a national anthem kneeling protest to curt body language between head coach and umpire indicating a potential for future problems (which exploded in the 7th inning) to circumstantial exacerbation due to inclement weather, the final day of a tournament, and final inning of a one-run game, we review the chain of critical events that led to a cavalcade of ejections during a California vs Louisiana softball game.

[@kevinhamlin1561]

I once umped an unimportant little league game. I was in high school at the time. Clear skies over us, but in the distance was a big thunderstorm and I hear lightning. I had a brief paused and talked to the coaches, said I was very uneasy, knowing if you can hear thunder, lightning can strike you, even if no clouds over you. (I'm a bit of a weather nerd.) The coaches were saying it was so far away, and the parents were yelling at me. I stupidly gave in, but told the coaches, next thunder clap I hear, I'm calling it. Half inning later another big one, and I call it. Everyone is mad at me. I didn't care though. I have known other refs in other sports killed by lightning, I wasn't going to risk those kids. The parents were pissed too until 5 minutes later when it was hailing. As an ump you should never have players in unsafe conditions. It is inexcusable.

[@GregMcNeish]

Soccer referee here, and that finger motion to call the coach in for a "conference" blows my mind. If I feel the need to speak with a coach, perhaps as here to explain a decision, I go that that coach. Their place is in their team's bench area. My place is everywhere, because it's MY field. Sure, once I'm over there I might ask them to step forward so we can talk privately, but I've covered 95% of the distance. That's not just a respect thing (which I 100% agree with you on); it's because I don't want to invite the opposing coaches to potentially start talking to each other. I will go to one coach and then the other - the same tone I set from the beginning of the game - so that their only discussion is with me, and if anything needs to go between them, it will go through me. Show people respect, and they'll usually show it back to you. If they don't, then you respectfully deal with it. What should never, ever be in question is your professionalism.

[@rayray4192]

Baseball umpires stay away from benches. Have the coach come to the home plate area and explain the ruling. If becesssry have the other coach come to the plate area and do the same. Never have opposing coaches together in a conference. You are asking for problems.

[@bigpoppa1234]

One thing "diamond sports" could use is the "Technical Area", requiring players and staff not involved in the play to remain there or be ejected.

[@JPINFV]

The hand gesture reminds me of the story that goes around every so often about Disney. Reportedly, Disney cast members aren't allowed to point or gesture with just their index finger because it can be seen as rude. So it's always 2 fingers or a whole hand.

[@ieatoutoften872]

​@@JPINFV What I learned as a 21 year old missionary from the U.S.A. to Venezuela is that when I beckon somebody with the palm of my beckoning hand facing upward, it means come here DOG, or it is a gesture one uses to a dog. I am alive today because I learned this fact, in training, in the U.S.A. a few days before I set foot in Venezuela. I got in the good habit of beckoning PEOPLE by doing it with the palm of my beckoning hand facing mostly downward. This knowledge helped me when I started umpiring high school softball in the U.S.A. 7 years later.

[@rayray4192]

@@JPINFV very interesting. Plate umpire is a condescending jerk

[@1969EType]

That plate umpire isn’t fit to work 12U. He directly caused that crew to lose control of the game. That is embarrassing…

[@craighanson-rc1md]

That umpire shouldnt be umpiring a video game let alone an actual game for any age group.

[@user-uq3es9fj5m]

OMG..ITS A GAME FOLKS..AND THE PEOOPLE PLAYING IT GET TO DECIDE WHATS WHAT..

[@jackricketts7025]

This is ridiculous you don’t kneel when there’s a nation anthem like ffs this is obvious

[@1969EType]

@@jackricketts7025 You choose not to. I choose not to. Others are free to do as they choose. No big deal...

[@maumor2]

@@jackricketts7025 isnt kneeling even more respectful than standing up?

[@brucestambaugh]

Lindsay, in sharing your analysis, you modeled respect without showing bias for anyone. If anyone should have been tossed, it should have been the home plate umpire. He clearly was out of control, a real egomaniac. Umpires showing their ego is never a good thing for any sport.

[@lawrencefields7874]

Bruce agree the umpire didn't handle the situation correctly, but neither did some of the Cal players and the Cal assistant coach was WAY WAY out of line. Sh was looking for something to goad the crowd about and the smirk on her face after she went after the ump says all you need to know about HER intentions. Again, not excusing the umps actions as there was plenty he could've done to deescalate but that doesn't excuse a coach from also escalating. 2 things can be true at once. Both of their egos were running amok.

[@mptr1783]

Lynn, these were 2 different games. The "National Anthem" game was on Friday and Louisiana won 10-0(Cal wearing all white uniforms). The "rain" game was on Sunday, with Cal leading 1-0 in the bottom of the 7th when the rains "forced" 2 wild pitches to tie it up(Cal wearing all blue uniforms). Cal ended up winning 3-1 in extras. Speaking of rain, it looks like a monsoon outside your window lol!

[@CloseCallSports]

Thank you! I figured as much when Louisiana (the team not the weather) downpoured itself on Cal in the Friday game so the Sunday revenge tour was on. There was a broadcaster comment about how it never rains in Southern California that I was going to play on since it’s been raining here for seemingly three weeks now but it was left on the cutting room floor

[@mptr1783]

@@CloseCallSportsGreat stuff and great advice regarding "body language" on the field

[@hippokrampus2838]

​@@CloseCallSportsit never rains in Southern California, it pours

[@michaelfalkner1186]

OK, apply the principle of the Heads Up Report that happens in the Majors, then. That can apply here as well. I'd have to think some of the Southern-frieds in the audience probably still had no appreciation of Cal-Berkeley and their actions earlier in the weekend.

[@OR2891]

I'm still wondering why the kneeling has anything to do with the refusal to delay game for rain. Obviously so many years after this has been brought in as a thing it's petulant for an audience of the game to make it a point of contention, but I didn't see any evidence of retaliatory actions from the umpires. Obviously if there was fan interference that resulted in a delay of game or an intermission to resolve said interference, but introducing this break down by specifically pointing this out and listing this #1 as a contributing factor to this "disaster?" I'm obviously missing something here. Is the line of thinking that because the fans took exception to the players kneeling for the anthem sparked a retaliation within the officiating crew? If so, then where is there evidence of that? In the absence of such evidence the inclusion of this fact is superfluous. I do 100% agree this was an unnecessary confrontation and ejection because, despite some people's definition of "obviously compromised," this game obviously (no pun intended) should have been delayed until weather permitted play. I did watch through this vid twice and reviewed a few comments to be sure there was not context I missed/unaware of so I'm making a first comment on this channel to clarify that question I had about the opening. Since I'm here I would like to say hi! been loving your vids for a long while and look forward to watching your ejection vids for this upcoming season!

[@MrSnowdon0011]

Excellent analysis ! Preventive umpiring is totally underrated and underappreciated. The late AL umpire Nick Bremigan introduced this concept into umpiring back in the 80s, and I was fortunate enough to personally hear him talk about this during an umpire clinic. I have immediately embraced this concept and the idea of game management, which actually first and foremost has to do with managing yourself ... I have instructed other umpires for almost 40 years now, and preventive umpiring and game management are among the most important topics I talk about on all levels - especially on the beginner's level ...

[@markthompson2874]

The umpire with the finger almost seemed like he was signalling "come here little lady." It seemed completely disrespectful. Maybe it's the video, but the rain seemed like it was to the point where I'd have stopped a baseball game (I wouldn't have asked the coaches.)

[@teebob21]

Why were the base umpires in the field already for the National Anthem? I work this sport we take the Anthem as a crew behind the plate with U3 to the left of the PU and U1 to the right. Weirdness abounds before the first pitch here.... The bunt HBP is a great job by the crew to use the NCAA SB video replay rules as a crew-chief review. Reversing the call to a foul ball is the correct call. Bringing the coaches together to explain the ruling is also the recommended mechanic, but the whole crew should have been there. It should not have been just PU + 2 head coaches. You're right that the hand signal was a "bad look", meaning something which could be perceived from the outside as a lack of respect. Fair points about the equal lack of perceived mutual respect. However, I can understand PU focusing his energy on the ULL coach who was about to receive the bad news that the call was being reversed. I don't think the perceived slight against Cal's coach was an intentional one. NCAA sent out this play (with FAR less context than this CCS analysis) as a training tape, but has not yet communicated guidance. They also didn't communicate the fracas that happened afterwards.

[@djnjam9051]

I don't agree that the whole crew should have been part of the discussion with the coaches. At lease one umpire should always be on the field watching the players in case something starts up between the players (conflicts with defenders and runners waiting on base, players on deck or up to bat next with the catcher, players or coaches entering the filed or saying something, or as a witness in case a fan comes onto the field. I believe that's noted in the CCA manual. Also it's posted under last year's rule change and it states that the Crew Chief will communicate the ruling to both head coaches (no mention of all officials having to be there for the explanation). I didn't see it change for 2024, unless I over looked it. "2022 and 2023 Major Softball Rules Changes The following rules changes were approved by the NCAA Softball Rules Committee and the Playing Rules Oversight Panel. All rules changes are effective with the 2022 season except Rule 3.2.1, which is effective with the 2024 season." "6. If video review is conducted on-site by the crew chief, the video review area shall not require an umpire to walk through spectators or dugouts to view the coverage. At LEAST ONE umpire MUST remain on the field." This should be carried over to explanations as well. The only time this becomes difficult is when the whole crew has to come together to discuss a ruling or get more information about a play. "8. Once the review is completed, the CREW CHIEF will communicate the ruling to both head coaches and the official scorer using the following criteria. This should also be communicated to the broadcasting booth, if applicable, via the umpire who has a microphone. a. Ruling on the field is confirmed; b. Ruling on the field is reversed; or c. Ruling stands due to no indisputable evidence to reverse it." Again, there is no mention of all officials having to be there for the explanation to the coaches. You have to have someone watching the players. It's a common practice among officiating through most sports that have multiple officials.

[@teebob21]

@@djnjam9051 We are taught that call reversals due to video review are to be administered under the same protocol as protests when there is an explanation necessary (7-2-5-1; dashes used so YT doesn't think it's an IP address): "[...]The crew will bring both coaches together to explain its ruling..." For an instance such as this, all three umpires probably should have been present to show a united front. At minimum, the crew chief and the calling umpire who went to the monitor. Yes, we all understand watching the field at all time, but another principle that is described in the CCA manual: the number of coaches in any single discussion should never exceed the number of umpires in the discussion.

[@BlackwoodCompany]

This is proof why they should have delayed the game to ensure safety of players.

[@iamthebum]

Excellent breakdown as always. Love the listed play-by-pay of the non-plays that built up. Great format for a game/event like this one.

[@courtneesdad]

Except she got two games mixed up. The anthem game was played Friday Cal in white. The rain game was Sunday Cal in blue. Different home plate umpires. This happened in my hometown. My daughter was at the game.

[@courtneesdad]

And Cal lost the first game 0-8 after four innings

[@helviojr]

I completely agree with you, Lind. Maybe in Brazil that sign to call the coach would not mean that disrespectful, but I know body language meanings change from culture to culture. We should always seek for respectfup relashionship with everyone in the field, and de-escalate should be a constant goal.

[@D__Lee]

Thank you for an excellent analysis on this incident! From your breakdown on the chain-of-events, I now understand how the game became an example of how to fail as an umpire crew. Hopefully, the umpire crew gets some remedial training on the rules and NOT allowed to officiate in post-season games as a consequence of what happened in this game.

[@DJTexan]

Unless the coach gets reinstated without fines and suspension then the umpires should also be suspended.

[@roberthudson1959]

This is why I oppose mandatory suspensions for ejections. Sometimes, believe it or not, the entire umpiring crew mishandles a situation. When that mass mistake endangers players, the coach has to do whatever it takes to protect them.

[@DJTexan]

The umpires should be suspended without pay for this.

[@Renegade605]

​@@DJTexan blah blah blah. There's no civilized jurisdiction in the world where it's legal to dock a worker's pay for a mistake they made in good faith and this is no different.

[@DJTexan]

@@Renegade605 That’s not true. If it was, then the same should apply to the coaches and managers. The conditions were bad. They were in good faith to go and tell the umpires to pause the game and leave the field.

[@Renegade605]

​@@DJTexan yeah it should. That's not the gotcha you think it is. You don't seem to know what good faith means though, but that's a separate issue.

[@DJTexan]

@@Renegade605 The gotcha? Not sure what English you’re using but you’re wrong. If you honestly think this umpire was in good faith then you need to rewatch the video. The conditions were clearly bad and the game needed to be paused. By your argument of no one should be docked or suspended for good faith then how about the coach? She is getting punished for the umpires mistake for being in good faith and caring about her players. I’m not sure what planet you’re on but it is legal and does happen where people get punished for mistakes of their own, which the umpires should be, and punished for mistakes of others, like the currently coach is, regardless of good faith. That’s the way it is.

[@dejure9178]

There is nothing more infuriating than watching the pos in blue behind the plate make a kid pitch when it’s pouring down rain. Then, they let the other pitcher sit in the dugout. It’s a fix. Absolutely ridiculous.

[@courtneesdad]

Haha this happened in my hometown. My daughter was at the game. They played a game before this one, which is was when the fuse was lit. UL beat them 8-0. They didn’t play the anthem cough cough(audio glitch) so the crowd sang the anthem. Cal got mad mad. That’s a wrong place to kneel for the anthem. A lot of travel teams wear the flag and have veteran appreciation uniforms with the names of fallen soldiers on the back. She won’t forget this game forever.

[@snakes6780]

Amen!!!!

[@courtneybenjamin2442]

Veterans at supposed to fight for our rights. So they should be proud of Americans exercising those rights.

[@1969EType]

@@courtneybenjamin2442 Yup. It is literally a right to do that! Why is this so hard? People can express themselves and kneel. People can express themselves and say that kneeling is wrong. Everyone gets to do as they wish. We’re all good here. People will kneel, others will complain…and we’re all getting up and going to work tomorrow.

[@yankee_tango]

@@courtneybenjamin2442 As a Veteran I can understand what you are saying. However I myself as a veteran find it disrespectful, and rude. I lost many friends during the War with Iraq back in 1990/91, but that is probably before your time. When I say lost I mean they were injured badly enough that they wound up ending themselves after coming home. So please respect the flag because if you know what the colors of our flag mean it will have a whole new meaning to you.

[@comfortmobilecarwash9561]

@yankee_tango The USA flag represents the CITIZENS not specifically the military

[@anthonyjkenn6319]

Ahhhhh, yes....Lady Cajun Park...errrrrrrrr, Yvette Girard Field, named after a pioneering softball coach who bolted UL to go coach at their big brother LSU. And, of course, all this started in the opener of the UC/UL series the day before when some of the Black Cal players took the knee during the National Anthem to protest the Gaza War, and that ticked off the Lafayette home crowd. (The rain antics actually occurred during the 2nd game of the series.) Was the ump crew doing some home Cajun cookin' to attempt to retaliate? Who knows? Great analysis as always, Lynn.

[@stevedevane]

My daughter's high school team lost a state title game because the umps let the other team bat during a heavy rain, causing our pitcher to walk in several runs. In softball a few runs can make a big difference. Then the umps decided to delay the game when our team finally got the third out.

[@stevedevane]

In our case, the game was tied when the hard rain started. If the game would have been stopped then neither team would have been favored. Instead, play continued until the other team got ahead by several runs, at which time the game was stopped.

[@Skank_and_Gutterboy]

Ah yes, the ole classic hometown ref, I've seen it many times myself.

[@thedink5]

Finger motion to call the coach was too MUCH, OMG I hope they did not cry!

[@kennethbobu3989]

"Hey you, come here!" WTF!???? Totally unacceptable. Disgusting, unacceptable and disrespectful. At that point the Cal coaches should have walked. But things never got better. This revolting and unsportsmanlike conduct by the umps is outrageous, not to mention against the rules (6.11.2.1.2!)

[@marcusmartin1428]

Lynn, great break down. Not sure how NCAA works but I've worked tourneys where management pushed hard to finish games when umps felt uncomfortable with the weather.

[@tomsherman3283]

And Cal probably had a plane to catch.

[@jeffwells8740]

To me, the messed up part about this was that it was a 5 minute rain shower, meaning that if the umpiring crew had called for a rain delay in the first place, most, if not ALL of the confrontation could have been avoided. Granted, it was bottom of the 7th, but a 5 minute (or even 10-15 min) delay to safely finish a close game? I'm just glad that Cal ended up getting the W they deserved.

[@bdehandicapping4404]

Wow! I wanted to stay to the end, but man she dragged this out (geesh)

[@markspott1741]

And it's presented as if all things happened the same day, but it did not. The "knee" was on the Friday game, I believe. A different day on others things. But it "strengthens" her repetitive list, I guess in women's sports, ur suppose to send bow wrapped chocolates & RSVP so not 2b disrespectful

[@Renegade605]

Who's coming out now??? Lindsay, I love you. Don't ever change. ❤

[@benstone7246]

I tell umpires that I train that when shit hits the fan, it’s your fault. This guy is unfit for college ball. Oh, and btw, they all pass the answers around for the test, so integrity is a huge question

[@mikecolie9290]

Absolutely a great analysis. He cracked under the pressure. While he undoubtedly has 1,000's of games under his belt (not too mention a few donuts perhaps?) I would venture to say he is fairly new to that level. We have all seen or been partners with someone like him. A tyrant that believes he's in charge and what he says goes. The disrespect to the Cal head coach was obvious. I'll bet the assignor will be rethinking his assignments in the future. Although at a Ragin Cajun game I attended a few years ago, at a critical stage of the game with runners on 1st & 3rd, a fly ball to deep to left center, both base umpires went out (chased) leaving the plate ump to handle tag ups, runner from 3rd scoring and a throw to 2nd on the runner advancing from 1st. Bang bang tag play and he hadn't even reached the pitcher's circle to make the call.

[@teebob21]

Your assumption would be wrong. That is not a new D1 official, by any stretch. I know that person and his extensive resume, and the on-field demeanor that he was putting off was uncharacteristic. Without more context, I have no idea why that game went the way it did.

[@tomsherman3283]

I think he did crack under pressure. But who wouldn't when you have a significant number of players and coaches (from one team) charge at you (the key word is coaches who should know better). The Cal coaches should have asked for a meeting with the umpire when it started to rain and raise the rule and ask for a delay. They didn't, allowing the pitcher to continue to pitch. Somehow this is the umpires fault? Beyond that they acted extremely hostile towards the umpire (whether ump was right or wrong). If I am Cal's AD, i am pulling that coach into my office when they get back from Louisiana. Her and her teams actions were appalling.

[@NFS305]

Why are they kneeling? What point are they making?

[@mwalker3547]

That they hate the United States

[@mikeb6434]

Some kind of leftist political stunt that didn't go over well with the locals.

[@kennethbobu3989]

Who cares? If you don't get it, ignore it. If you don't get it, you're also likely part of the problem, not the solution, but either way, if you don't get it, don't fret it.

[@andrewvoorhees4062]

@@kennethbobu3989 Some might argue that if you are the one kneeling that you are part of the problem.

[@leonardodalongisland]

They are "announcing" that they are "unAmerican."

[@rj7411]

You nailed it Lyndsay. Well done. Thanks to CCS for these training videos.

[@closethockeyfan5284]

Terrific breakdown and instructional, much appreciated

[@danielleskelton3346]

Great analysis. I’m just a recreational player and find this super interestng.

[@jarenfort3109]

That’s a great Breakdown of the entire game/situation! Biggest item I take away from- Respect!

[@andrewvoorhees4062]

I don't consider the ump pointing to come here as that disrespectful... I do think he was in idiot for not suspending the game especially after the first errant pitch.

[@johngreenway2866]

Thank you for your input, you are the best

[@EdWatkins-fg6ym]

Excellent breakdown, and knowledge of the rules. Also, SOME not ALL officials want to call a good game and want to get on their way. I have been called out by a crew member for not calling a bang-bang play, that I saw as safe, an out that would have finished the game. Yes, we are all human and get angry/frustrated/etc., but as an official or a coach we must then do what we want players to “Let It Go”, and “Shake It Off”, it is now behind us, now focus on the next task.

[@RoyceMarcus]

Saw this on jomboy but this is a far better contextual analysis. First time I saw I figured the ump just wanted to go home early. With this - I almost wonder if there's an political undertone from the ump. Maybe he wasn't happy about the kneeling and this was a motivation for him. Obviously inexcusable but wonder if tbst could have been a driving force.

[@sgtcrab2569]

He had to get to a Trump rally.

[@LoganF176]

An excellent analysis Lindsey! A great example of how little things add up.

[@comfortablynumb4491]

First of all, STAND for the national anthem. That is not optional. You should know by now that a decision to kneel, sit or lay down is going to bring a world of hurt down on you. Secondly, the umpires have the say on whether or not the game continues. Period. Stop whining and play ball. You showing the rule book doesn't mean squat. It is still the umpires decision.

[@markspott1741]

Hey, u forget that the ump was "disrespectful"....so disrespectful. In women softball, I suppose there's a rule that say, send a RSVP tied with a ribbon and chocolates, so not to be disrespectful! Could this be just another reason why ppl don't put that much stock in women's sports? Hurt feelings!

[@alexandrelambert4923]

Winnipeg Jets mentioned!!!!!! What even is a good second half to a season!

[@closethockeyfan5284]

Good would be something like 23-16-2.

[@kennybaker1026]

I umpire for a living. The plate shouldn't be working a middle school game.

[@USA__2023]

In CALI right ?

[@kennybaker1026]

@@USA__2023 I have called some in Cali but not very much.

[@tampazeke4587]

The second they showed up in Louisiana wearing "California" on their jerseys, the fix was in! And I say that as a Mississippian who knows this to be true from the inside. This needs to be addressed by the NCAA. This was so frickin' blatant.

[@XXelpollodiabloXX]

I've had coaches treat me with what I can only describe as congempt, but I don't mirror that. I've always been taught to rise above and to not alter my demeanor no matter what. If I can't be invisible (which is my preference), then at the very least I will do my best not to exacerbate a situation. That PU was kind of a head case.

[@baseballumpires6901]

These California coaches deserve no respect. The reputation of that group is deplorable and not controlling their team by having them stand for the Anthem is disgusting.

[@williamcahill2462]

Its quite clear this good old boy umpire was going to let this go on until Louisiana win. Reminds me of the brutally bad calls that occurred regularly before TV broadcast all SEC games. Theres no way they were letting a California team get a win on Cajun soil.

[@jakehccc1]

The immaturity of a coach who has an issue with an umpire is pathetic. Grow up. Play should have been suspended.

[@markspott1741]

Women sports! He looked at me! He didn't smile! How disrespectful that he pointed, waved his hand. Plz. But pay us the same, because we're just a good a men sports! Yet they can't see the difference.

[@poppydc43ify]

Great analysis!

[@psbxbliss6658]

Can you breakdown a play from the Hawaii vs ole miss baseball game? In extra innings with a man on first there was a ball hit into the right center gap that was caught by the outfielder and then ole miss proceeded to tag the runner from first standing on second base without tagging up. After review the crew called the batter out and sent the runner back to first. What happened???

[@NFS305]

The umpires incorrectly told the runner that he was safe even though he didn’t tag up so after review they let the base runner go back to first because the umps screwed up

[@trwent]

I think the HP umpire was upset about the kneeling during the national anthem by the Cal players. He wanted to wreck their day because of it. But they had the last laugh.

[@Mosk915]

Great breakdown

[@Tardisius]

I've heard It Never rains in California....It Pours....=))

[@alexe1707]

The coach should have pulled the team off the field

[@teebob21]

That would result in a forfeit, under NCAA rules.

[@michaelstevens8624]

Hypothetically, after the conference at the mound where they keep at it, they see that first WP and have the presence of mind to realize, yeah, we should have stopped this one...does the result of that WP *have* to stand, or would they be able to call it a No Pitch and resume from there?

[@teebob21]

A pitch thrown stands. There are no Do-Overs.

[@ttprophet]

great break down! IDK if i agree about the umpire calling coach up to the plate to discuss the call being a posturing of condescending body language simply because the review booth is on the home team side and ump is signalling her from far away and all their gestures are grandios and over-the-top anyways, however i'm not disagreeing with your assessment of his body language either. And like you said last inning of last game. It was a long day for ump to be bent over the plate so i'm not sure how much poor posturing of body language is intentional versus just being exhausted and slipping on his decorum. You also didn't mention pitching coach smiling when she walked away. I saw that as a tactical sacrifice to buy time for the rain to pass. Maybe I'm overthinking it, but i think she wasn't as mad as she was stalling. ULL is a good team and to win against them has its merits. So obviously the two slippery pitches would've been a nightmare for Berkley if they lost. You also didn't show it here in the edit but the batter and the catcher had words, and it got the catcher ejected. The batter moved back to her box and you can see by her posture she wasn't angry or cocky as much as she was nervous/timid/scared and a bit confused. This could've also been an in-the-moment outcome of someone with a metal stick and a someone in body armor, both feeling a bold enough to say something. I have no doubt in my mind that a bat would've never been used against anyone by that young lady, but i'm curious if it contributed to an added layer of threat in the moment which caused the catcher to have words with her. Also wanted to say I've seen some people accusing the talent of lying about the rain. I just wanted to say the camera lenses are zoomed thru hundreds of feet, making the center field pitching camera look like worse weather than it actually is. Talent wasn't lying. The rain poured for a minute, the umps met and discussed, decided to play ball, then the rain settled to a steady drizzle. Clearly it was affecting her pitch, i'm not arguing that, just saying that talent wasn't trying to make light of the situation. Lastly I wanted to note none of the ULL girls left their dugout. Which was either by command of the coaching staff, or, the ULL girls weren't looking to fight over it. They'd won every other game they played that series. I think the Berkley girls running out to get their own grown adult coach makes me ask a few things... was it an intentional scene to stall? did the berkley girls genuinely fear what their coach would've done had they not run out to intervene? Why do they see their coach as someone they'd need to step in on? Why did they need to chime in and escelate? Anthem and umps aside, i do think it was poor sportmanship on berkley, but it was good TV and it stalled long enough for the rain to pass. I liked berkley's head coach's "bite my ass" attitude. I thought it was endearing. I didn't like pitching coach going bush league, but again... we're all talking about it aren't we?

[@Dub-ro9tk]

Interesting that the kneeling nonsense actually divided the Cal team if you watch the footage.

[@priceright8963]

Badly handled all around. A classic case in what not to do when rain and player safety is a concern.

[@betterlate1111]

I believe you are spot on. Well done analysis.

[@twm929]

Nice breakdown of the game.

[@pyrobryan]

I don't know what kind of review process is in place, but if there's not one, teams should have a way to petition the NCAA to redress a situation like this. That ump really seemed to have something against Cal.

[@daleb7372]

I saw the rain video on another channel and was actually curious about the rules. Hypotheiticially, what could Cal have done once it became apparent the umpires were going to make them play though the downpour?

[@kenw9681]

Baseball and softball umpires can make almost any call that they want to on any play, and without the filmed review protest, there's no way to overrule it.

[@genewalker7785]

I agreed with most of what you said .remember a coaching trick is to unload on the ref and then leave before they can speak ...and giving back is going to happen sometimes as a result of this

[@TonyJonesAuthor]

One of your best breakdowns. Terrible game management by these umps, particularly HPU.

[@a_doggo]

I do not envy the coaches or the umpires here. These situations can get incredibly bad and they can also end immediately. It's tough to make the right decisions, and being cold in the rain has never helped anybody during a ball game.

[@rayray4192]

“ Always Fo what’s right; not what’s easy.” - T- Mac

[@MrMaelstrom07]

Great review.

[@KWally]

This crew messed up royally

[@RayTX1337]

That umpire is running "his game" and everyone has to like it. Very bad vibes.

[@RightHemisphere]

I swear the most important question when interviewing to become an umpire is "Are you a raging ego maniac who has to be right all the time causing you to have temper tantrums that no grown adult should have"

[@phil9518]

I was on Cals side when I first saw the argument but when I saw they kneeled I lost all respect for them tbh. I hope they lose every game.

[@jaymesonbell8040]

This would've never happened at a baseball game

[@kevinriese6384]

Please be open to the possibility that the pitcher is playing a role. It is possible that the pitcher is throwing the ball away on purpose. It is also possible that the umpire knows this. He may be irritated because she is a thespian and not a college level pitcher.

[@Subangelis]

About the "Hey You" moment, makes me wonder if there was a situation between that ump and the coach before.

[@NFS305]

I bet he’s a vet and didn’t like the kneeling

[@Diamondblue22]

Doesn’t matter. Each game is a new game.

[@ebomoreno8119]

Rain is a risk of injuries, lightening ends all games.. The ump should have had a counsel with the coaches to reach a solution.

[@cdb5961]

Without knowing what was said between the ump and the coaches i would err on the side of the umpire.

[@metanga1223]

Why did their uniform changed from the opening and during the game?

[@InformalGreeting]

I agree with almost all of this. I don’t have any problem with the “come here” gesture though. But i suppose if others see it as insulting I may be wrong about that.

[@HarrySJohnson]

A lot of umpires are hardened over the course of their careers by coaches looking to manipulate and argue with them. So although I agree that PU is out of line (and also doesn’t seem to realize that softballs are hard to grip when wet), his character is completely ordinary. I don’t know how we fix this in umpiring.

[@blaineshippy4599]

This just happened between OK state and LSU. Literally changed the rankings Is OK state was winning by two before the rain with three outs left

[@mblondin2]

You showed a book , what is the name of it? Seems à good read.

[@danielhoward8354]

If everybody stands nobody stands.

[@garygemmell3488]

This is 100% the umpires fault. They are ultimately responsible for the safety of the players. A softball is much bigger than a baseball and is also much slicker out of the box. If the umpires are forcing players, especially the pitcher, to throw a ball that they can not grip, they are putting the safety of the players at risk.

[@robertbrown7470]

Completely agree!

[@natemarroquin]

Umpires did it WRONG!

[@traybern]

Um…the umpires are IN CHARGE!! NOT a coach, NOT the players, NOT the FANS!! And DEFINITELY NOT the commenters!!!

[@ebomoreno8119]

The Coach and Ump, did not have communicational skills.

[@SuperD1960]

Obviously you’re only seeing this one sided (California) but being from Louisiana we’re used to getting accused of being the bad guys,while Californians play victim all the time

[@patersonplankrd]

I am thinking there was something , some sort of friction between the Cal coach, players are both prior to this. NO official, especially at the NCAA level should conduct themselves as this home plate umpire....I've worked with different umpires . The arrogant ones such as the home plate umpire I despised. Guys like this aren't professionals. They simply do not have what it takes to be a sports official

[@user-dd7jx4yg9r]

How come the teams changed from the anthem to the first pitch from red uniforms to blue.

[@halhunter6365]

I think it’s pretty easy to break down a video that you know the outcome of. I’d like to see you break down a situation where you don’t know the outcome, to see if your expert take on body language can predict the outcome you don’t already know.

[@critter2]

We been taught to meet coach (Manger) half way take sun glasses off as well

[@JeffHulkHemp]

If you remember game 7 between the Cubs and Guardians and the game went extra innings and delayed and Crew chief John Miller delayed the game in the top of the 10th.John also explained the reason why delayed game is to keep the field dry and dont give any addvage to ether team.But as you know the cubs won the game and championship .In my view this game should of been delayed.

[@mikeb6434]

The game 7 was between the Cubs and Indians, not "Guardians."

[@theultimatebschannel1749]

Great breakdown as always

[@joshuabayerjazz]

Umps were absolutely awful. And yes - completely disrespectful.

[@reedhycalog]

Ok I'm confused is this the same game? Each team has different uniforms in the game as in the clip with the knelling .

[@Jaco927]

I'm impressed you didn't bring gender into it at all. Awesome breakdown. I'm going to bring gender into it. The video doesn't lie and that umpire, who is a man, does not look good in this video with his treating the genders of the two head coaches equally. He addresses the male head coach by speaking to him. He addresses the female head coach by yelling at her, giving her finger motions to "come here", and not even addressing her in a conference. What is even more egregious, the plate umpire is umping a female game. If I was his supervisor, he's never umping another female game again. Frankly, he shouldn't be umping at all.

[@wutisay]

Very good analysis

[@davidcarlen8363]

Ump was wrong, did he want someone hurt 🤕?

[@chriscollins9298]

Maybe an example of good karma where the team that didn’t get to hold the lead because of ego got the win

[@Pchi427]

This was Unacceptable! Players safety comes first! 100% this was a power trip by the umps

[@kevinblassingame3135]

Was this not 2 different games?? The teams during the national anthem were wearing different uniforms. Not a good look when dissecting the game.

[@williamcafaro6803]

this goes way beyond college or pro's this goes all the way down to youth programs and over bearing parents

[@lanem4304]

I agree with everything except the idea that this pitcher couldn't get a "grip". I have played and officiated lots of sports in adverse weather conditions - rain included. Yes, the pitcher here may not have had the grip she WANTED, but she could grip the ball. As a player, your method of pitching has to change. I think she was sacrificing her pitches hoping her catcher would bail her out to try and make a point to the Umpire that she couldn't "hold onto the ball" so she could get back to making the pitches she wanted with the grip she wanted. Yes, you couldn't do all the same pitches you wanted, but you CAN still pitch. I bet if that pitcher could win 1 million dollars if she threw a strike in that rain, she would have found a way to throw a strike - whether changing her grip a little, slowing her pitch speed a little etc - she just didn't want to. That same grip adjustment needs to be made in all sports; whether it is football, baseball, softball etc. Players at this level need to be able to make adjustments, and coaches need to coach their players, not yell at umpires. You see the same weather/time related "inequalities" during certain times of the day where the sun may be glaring right at the batter during the top of the 3rd, but by the bottom of the 3rd it has gotten to where the sun is no longer an issue etc. An umpires job is not to keep pausing games to make sure weather, sunlight, wind etc are all optimal and fair for both sides. Players need to adjust, let's play ball.

[@SheriffChuck81-qq5vq]

The pitcher threw 2 pitches that both slipped out of her hand early. The catchers throw to the pitcher to try to make the play at the plate went over the pitchers head, indicating that the ball slipped out of her hand early as well. Those things happen when you can't get a grip on the ball. As far as your last statement, "An umpires job is not to keep pausing games to make sure weather, sunlight, wind etc are all optimal and fair for both sides." The rule is clear that if they can't grip the ball or are losing footing it IS time to delay the game. Trying to imply there is a need for perfect conditions is not genuine.

[@geoffreyfrank5946]

If a player can't make the she WANTS, but can only make an adjusted grip, then her ability is COMPROMISED....OBVIOUSLY...at least that should be obvious. Because you wouldn't be saying the same thing if she had to make an adjustment and the batter got hit in the head, had an aneurysm and died...would you still be saying "play ball (oh, and just step over that corpse in the batters box)".

[@tomsherman3283]

@@geoffreyfrank5946 the Cal coach should have called a time out and requested a meeting with the umpires to request a delay based on rule such and such. The coach is allowed to call time outs but didn't (other than charging the umpire). It didn't happen and the coach let the pitcher pitch. As far as we know no one asked for a delay. I think the umpire was tired of Cal's shenanigans all weekend and had enough. You reap what you sow.

[@johndayjr.6554]

Thumbs up to you, Hun.

[@Azagthoth12]

Leave your ego at the door and you will get BETTER results.

[@markspott1741]

Well, it looks like Lynn got caught baiting the stupid, here. How sad, that a person's case is so weak & bias that facts were suppressed to make a point. Then you read all the "way to go, Lynn" remarks from the fools that swallowed the bait hook, line and sinker. So typical of Berkeley ppl that claim openness and fairness.

[@chriscollins9298]

What